“I write to show my support for the ‘Request for Policy Clarification’
(details below) by North East CALL TO ACTION. In particular. (mention one or two features of the Request – say, one climate and one debt item).

3) Conclude by asking for a response and add the usual courtesies.

4) Copy and paste the ‘Request for Policy Clarification’ (see below) into
the body of the email (DON’T send it as an attachment), and change the
format of the whole message to Plain Text.

PLEASE DO SUPPORT US IN THIS!

With appreciation and best wishes,

David

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‘REQUEST FOR POLICY CLARIFICATION’

If elected, will you support and advocate the following policies:

ON CLIMATE CHANGE:

. The implementation in full, in both the letter and the spirit, of the
Climate Change Act (2008)?

. The conclusion of a good climate treaty at the Paris talks in December – a
treaty that is strong in being based firmly on the science, and fair in
recognising our responsibilities to less developed counties?

ON INTERNATIONAL DEBT:

. Action to stop a new debt trap being set in the global South, given that
new lending to the most impoverished countries has tripled since the
financial crisis and 15% of the UK’s aid budget is now given as loans, not
grants?

. Constructive engagement by the UK with the UN’s General Assembly in its
overwhelming decision to develop a new, fair and independent mechanism to
curb vulture funds and resolve debt crises?

ON TAX DODGING:

. The introduction of a ‘Tax Dodging Bill’ in the first 100 days after the
election? The Tax Dodging Bill will make it harder for big companies to
dodge taxes both here and in developing countries, and could raise funds to
help tackle poverty. [http://taxdodgingbill.org.uk/the-bill/]

ON THE LIVING WAGE AND THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET:

. The promotion of secure work, regular hours, and paying at least a Living
Wage throughout the UK?

. For those unable to work, the provision of safety net which guarantees a
secure income, enabling people to live free from fear of destitution or the
stigma of poverty? [See “2020 Vision of the Good Society”.]

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings…Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.”
Nelson Mandela, 2005